Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. has been named the recipient of the U.S. Department of Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) 2001 National SAFE Award (Safety Award for Excellence) for Drilling Contractors. The award, which recognizes outstanding performance in safety and environmental protection, is presented annually to one company in each of four categories: operator with high activity, operator with moderate activity, drilling contractor and production contractor. Drilling contractors are made finalists for the MMS National Award by winning District Safe Awards from the MMS. For 2001, Diamond Offshore was awarded three of the five Gulf of Mexico District SAFE Awards for drilling contractors.
MMS bases the award on a number of factors, as determined by periodic inspections by MMS technicians. Criteria include operational safety, rig maintenance, pollution prevention and regulatory compliance during the year. Implemented in 1983, the MMS SAFE Award Program recognizes the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas facility operators for outstanding safety and pollution prevention performance.
Diamond Offshore President and COO Larry Dickerson said, "I am honored to work with the men and women who have been given this high award. This past year was an impressive one for our fleet in terms of safety, environmental compliance and efficiency achievements in the Gulf of Mexico, but I am most pleased to know that we strive for this performance every day on every rig located all over the world. It is gratifying to be judged as best in the industry."
The 2001 National SAFE Award is the third for Diamond Offshore. The Company also received the national award in 1993 and 1994. In addition, Diamond Offshore has received 13 District SAFE Awards and two
Corporate Leadership Awards.